James E. Robbins

Mr. James Edward “Jim” Robbins, 89, died Sunday July 19, 2026 at his home in Forest City. A native of Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Ewell Jack and Effie Lee Goode Robbins. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Melba S. Robbins and later Robin M. Robbins, his brothers Billie J. Robbins, Thomas Max Robbins and Jack Robbins.

Mr. Robbins was a proud graduate of Ellenboro High School, Class of 1955, and he served in the United States Army Reserve.

Mr. Robbins was co-founder and former co-owner of Tri-City Concrete in Forest City. He was a member of Race Path Baptist Church where he formerly served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, and served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee and Finance Committee. Mr. Robbins loved Race Path and always took great interest and care in his fellow church members and pride in maintaining the beauty of the church facilities. Mr. Robbins was a Trustee Emeritus at Gardner-Webb University and a member of Gideons International.

He is survived by his daughters, Candace Robbins Ahmad and Kelly Robbins Monroe (Brian), both of Asheville and step-daughter Tracey Faucette of Tryon. Seven grandchildren, Mia Ahmad Magee (Hugh), Taric Ahmad, Mady Ahmad and Hayden Monroe all of Asheville, Hana Monroe Pope (Brett) of Johnson City, Tennessee, Tyndall Thorne (Brad) of Chesnee and Jordan Faucette of Austin, Texas.   Three great-grandchildren, James Magee, Amelia Magee and Blaze Pope. His sister-in-law, Myrtle Robbins, nephew Tony Robbins (Leah) and nieces Sonja Robbins Hooper, Denise Robbins Botts, Pat Johnson, Rise’ Bostic, Tracy Dunnagin and Tyra Kirby.

Jim was a loving father, grandfather and uncle to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Family was always important to him. 

The family would like to thank Sheila Herndon, his caregiver for the past year, for her loyal and faithful service.

The funeral service will be held at 3 o'clock on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Race Path Baptist Church with Pastor Tony Beam and Pastor Randall Cooper officiating.  A committal service will follow in the church cemetery led by Pastor Phillip Williams.  The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:45 prior to the service in the Sanctuary.  Memorial donations may be made to Race Path Baptist Church, Designated Monetary Fund (Facilities), 1171 Race Path Church Road, Ellenboro, North Carolina 28040.